SKY_July2014.pdf

40 July 2014 sky & telescope

Astronomy with a Plan

Beyond that, many programs require the observer to clas-

sify the object by some specifi c scheme: estimating the

Trumpler class of an open cluster is an example. All of

the requirements are designed to improve the observer’s

skill, encourage careful observation, and promote meticu-

lous note taking.

The most popular observing program, by far, is the

Messier Program. In fact this has become almost a rite of

passage in some astronomy clubs and is, more often than

not, the fi rst program attempted. Observers are expected

to star-hop to any 70 of the objects from Charles Messier’s

catalog to earn a certifi cate. The rules make it quite clear

that no object-locating devices are allowed. Finderscopes

and unit-power fi nders such as Telrads are fi ne, of course.

But Go To, Push To, and setting circles (both mechanical

and electronic) are forbidden. Smartphones and tablets

are fi ne if you just use them to display star charts, but not

if you use their built-in compasses and accelerometers to

locate objects. The intent is to encourage and reward the

eff ort of learning the night sky.

To earn an Honorary Certifi cate and an attractive lapel

pin that depicts Messier’s own signature monogram,

the observer must locate and observe all of the Messier

objects. For a novice observer, retracing the discoveries of

Messier and his contemporaries using nothing more than

a star chart and a fi nderscope is a signifi cant accomplish-

ment, and it’s accompanied by a remarkable transforma-

tion. One cannot help but learn to recognize the constella-

tions and the brightest stars of the Northern Hemisphere

while seeking out the 110 objects. By the time the logs are

submitted for the award, the sky has become a familiar

place, and the observer has become a confi dent member

of an exclusive circle of sky-savvy observers.

The late British astronomy icon, Sir Patrick Caldwell

Moore, inspired another popular observing program by

authoring a list of objects that appeared in a December

1995 Sky & Telescope article. The Caldwell Catalog, as

that list has come to be known, comprises the target list

for the only other A.L. observing program that must be

accomplished in the traditional way.

League members who complete fi ve required observ-

ing programs (the fi ve most popular ones) and fi ve more

programs of their choice earn special bragging rights in

the guise of the Master Observer Award. As I write this,

fewer than 135 observers have earned the master observer

designation.

The value of these observing programs and awards as

a motivational tool to re-energize your astronomy club

should not be overlooked. They can enliven your club’s

observing sessions by serving as frameworks for group

projects and training venues for novice observers.

A little more than a decade ago, I was witness to

The Planetary
Nebula Pro-
gram, which
is coordinated
by the author,
includes many
favorites such
as the Ring,
Dumbbell, and
Helix, which is
shown at near
right. It also
includes little-
known gems
such as NGC
2440 in Puppis,
shown at far
right.

The A.L. programs are serious,

but some are also whimsical.

Items 5 – 8 in the popular

Lunar Program are observ-

ing and sketching the Man,

Woman, Cow, and Rabbit on

the Moon. Program coordina-

tor Steve Nathan provided the

sample sketches shown here

and on the A.L. website.

NASA / NOAO / ESA / STSCI / M. MEIXNER AND T. RECTOR (HELIX) / K. NOLL (NGC 2440)

STEPHEN A. NATHAN / ASTRONOMICAL LEAGUE